Arsene Wenger has admitted he doesn’t know where the future of Theo Walcott lies.
Walcott has not started a Barclays Premier League game since the 3-2 defeat at Manchester United on February 28 and has been limited to substitute appearances of late.
The 27-year-old has fallen behind the likes of teenager Alex Iwobi and fit-again Danny Welbeck in Wenger’s pecking order – with just five league goals to his name this season.
Asked if Walcott could leave, Wenger replied: ‘I don’t know yet.
‘I’m not in transfer mode at the moment but I think he has gone through a bad spell. He has responded very well, because he said “okay, I will work harder and more”.
‘Even when he comes on now, you see he is motivated and focused. Let’s see how well he finishes the season now.’
Despite a number of first-team regulars missing Thursday night’s 2-0 win over West Brom, Walcott was again restricted to a four-minute cameo off the bench.
By Ben Kelly – @benkelly_10